Device for securing cochlear implant external transmitter

ABSTRACT

A device for securing an external transmitter of a cochlear implant to the head of the wearer. A pouch containing the external transmitter is secured using a plurality of straps coupled to a decorative shell worn on a person&#39;s head. The pouch and the decorative shell are designed to allow sound to pass unhindered from the environment to the inner ear. The plurality of straps are adjustable to allow precise placement of the external transmitter over the internal receiver. The external transmitter is also secured using a pouch coupled to a decorative shell. The external transmitter is further secured using a sealer coupled to the transmitter and further coupled to the head using an adhesive barrier. The sealer is made of a semi-transparent material. The device ensures that an external transmitter remains in place.

FIELD

The exemplary embodiments are related to the field of medical devices.More particularly, the exemplary embodiments relate to hearing aids.

BACKGROUND

Cochlear implant devices are a medical breakthrough for people whoexperience severe to profound nerve deafness. The devices functionproperly when an implanted receiver and electrode system is coupled withan externally worn microphone, sound processor and transmitter system.The internal and external components are held in place by a magnet.Young children who require the implant often require a weaker strengthmagnet to avoid developing painful welts on their soft, malleable heads.This will often cause the transmitter to fall off hundreds of times aday, leaving the child without the ability to hear and ultimatelyleading to further developmental difficulties. This conundrum is alsodifficult for the child's parents who must constantly monitor theirhearing devices to ensure they are receiving the recommended hearingtime each day.

SUMMARY

In the first and second exemplary embodiments, an acousticallytransparent pouch, made of a material such as silicone or fabric,configured for coupling to an external transmitter of a cochlear implantand is further configured for coupling to a decorative shell, made of anacoustically-transparent material, using a plurality of straps.

In the third exemplary embodiment, a pouch, made of an acousticallytransparent material, is configured for coupling to an externaltransmitter of a cochlear implant and is further configured for couplingto a decorative shell, using a fastener, such as a hook and loopfastener, or heat bonded adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a back view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cochlearimplant securing device comprising a plurality of straps and pouches.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device comprising the two pouches and theplurality of straps.

FIG. 1C shows a top view of the first exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device comprising the pouches and theplurality of straps.

FIG. 1D shows the full adjustability of the first exemplary embodimentof the cochlear implant securing device comprising a pouch and aplurality of straps.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device comprising a plurality of straps and apouch.

FIG. 2B shows a back view of the second exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device having the pouches and the plurality ofstraps.

FIG. 3A shows a side, internal view of an exemplary decorative shell.The dashed lines show the decorative shell in a three-dimensionalorientation.

FIG. 3B shows a back, internal view of the exemplary decorative shellthat may be adjustable to the head of the wearer.

FIG. 3C shows a side, external view of the exemplary decorative shell.In this embodiment, the decorative shell is a baseball-style hat.

FIG. 3D shows a top, internal view of the exemplary decorative shell.

FIG. 4A shows a front view, a side view, and a back view of the pouchconfigured for coupling to the plurality of straps and an externaltransmitter of a cochlear implant according to the first and secondexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary fastener of the first and second exemplaryembodiments of the cochlear implant securing device to couple to thedecorative shell.

FIG. 6 shows three exemplary embodiments of the decorative shellconfigured for coupling to the plurality of straps.

FIG. 7 shows a front view, back view, and a side view of a thirdexemplary embodiment of a cochlear implant securing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference tothe following descriptions and the related appended drawings, whereinlike elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Theexemplary embodiments are related to a device for securing an externalcochlear implant to the head of the wearer using a pouch configured forcoupling to a decorative shell.

A cochlear implant device consists of two main components. The firstcomponent is an external transmitter that contains a microphone and asound processor to gather sounds from the surrounding environment. Thesecond component is a sound-receiving device that is implanted into thehead of the wearer. Once a sound is picked up by the externaltransmitter, it is passed to the internal receiver, processed, and anelectrical current is passed to the inner ear where a sound is created.

The external transmitter is coupled to the internal sound receiver usinga magnet. This connection ensures the cochlear implant remains in placeand sound processing is completed. In young children, the magnet isconsiderably weaker than ones used in adults, which helps prevent weltsfrom developing on their malleable heads. However, because the magnet isweak, the external transmitter will often fall or be knocked off thechild's head and cause auditory and speech development problems. Thecochlear implant securing device, as described herein, functions tosecure the transmitter to the internal receiver allowing for propersound transmission.

FIG. 1A shows a back view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cochlearimplant securing device 100 comprising a plurality of straps 1, 3, 5,and pouches 4. The pouches 4 are designed to house the externaltransmitter of the cochlear implant device. The pouches 4 arespecifically designed to be acoustically transparent, which isfacilitated by being made of a material such as silicone or fabric. Thisdesign allows for unhindered sound transmission. The plurality of straps1, 3, 5, are configured to be coupled to a head of a user (i.e., worn bythe user). In this example, the pouches 4 are coupled to the strap 1 ina manner to ensure that the pouches 4 with the transmitters remainconnected to the internal receiver of the cochlear implant device.However, one skilled in the art will understand that the pouches 4 maybe coupled to any of the straps 1, 3, 5 and the placement of the pouchesmay depend on the placement of the implant in the user's head.

The plurality of straps 1, 3, 5, are made of a non-slip elasticmaterial, which allows the embodiment to fit many different size heads.The plurality of straps comprises a first strap 5 configured to wraparound the head of the wearer, a second strap 1 attached at a first endand a second end to the first strap 5 and two third straps 3 coupled tothe first strap 5 and the second strap 1. The third straps 3 are coupledto the second strap 1 at a first end using a tight-fitting loop system.The tight-fitting loop system allows universal positioning of theplurality of straps 1, 3, 5, and the pouch 4 to ensure that the externaltransmitter can be connected to the internal receiver of the cochlearimplant for all users.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device 100 comprising the two pouches 4 andthe plurality of straps 1, 3, 5. In this embodiment, two pouches 4 areutilized for a person with bilateral hearing impairments. The cochlearimplant securing device 100 may also be designed with a one pouch 4arrangement for a person with unilateral hearing impairments. This viewshows the first strap 5 coupled to the second strap 1 and the thirdstrap 3. The third strap 3 is coupled to the second strap 1 at a firstend using a tight-fitting loop system. The third strap 3 also includes afirst slider 2 that may be used to vary the length of the third strap 3and position the pouch 4 containing the external transmitter directlyover the internal receiver of the cochlear implant for proper soundtransmission.

FIG. 1C shows a top view of the first exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device 100 comprising the pouches 4 and theplurality of straps 1, 3, 5. This view shows the first strap 5 coupledto the second strap 1 and two third straps 3. The two third straps 3 arecoupled to the second strap 1 at a first end using a tight-fitting loopsystem. In this embodiment, two third straps 3 are utilized for couplingto two pouches 4. The two third straps 3 allow for people with bilateralhearing disabilities to have both external transmitters securelyfastened to their head. The two third straps 3 have a first slider 2,capable of shortening the two third straps 3.

FIG. 1D shows the configuration of the plurality of straps 1, 3, 5 andmovement of the pouch 4 are completely adjustable, covering roughly a 2½inch radius on a child's head, to accommodate each individual cochlearimplant location. Adjustments can be made by sliding straps 1 and 3,lengthening or shortening slider 2 and by moving pouch 4 up or down.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device 101 comprising a plurality of straps 1,3, 5 and a pouch 4. The cochlear implant securing device 101 is similarto the cochlear implant securing device 100 described with reference toFIGS. 1A-D. The difference between the two exemplary embodiments is thenumber, orientation and position of the straps 1, 3, 5. This should makeit clear that the exact number, orientation and position of the strapsmay be modified within the scope of the exemplary embodiments, as longas the arrangement secures the straps to the head of the user and thepouch in a position where the external transmitter is in the correctlocation with respect to the internal receiver.

This view shows the first strap 5 coupled to the second strap 1 and thethird strap 3. The third strap 3 is coupled to the second strap 1 usingtight-fitting loop system. In this embodiment, the plurality of straps1, 3, 5, can be adjusted to position the pouch 4 on the internalreceiver of the cochlear implant device.

FIG. 2B shows a back view of the second exemplary embodiment of thecochlear implant securing device 101 having the pouches 4 and theplurality of straps 1, 3, 5. This embodiment shows two pouches 4 forbilateral hearing disabilities. This view shows the first strap 5coupled to the second strap 1 and two third straps 3. The third straps 3are coupled to the first strap 1, which permits universal adjustment ofthe pouches 4 over the internal receiver of the cochlear implant device.

FIG. 3A shows a side, internal view of an exemplary decorative shell 7.The dashed lines show the decorative shell in a three-dimensionalorientation. The decorative shell 7 may be constructed of anacoustically transparent material, which allows unhindered soundtransmission from the surrounding environment, through the transmitter,to the inner ear. Without this material, the sound may be muffled, andthe wearer may suffer further developmental complications. The dashedlines show the decorative shell in a three-dimensional orientation.

FIG. 3B shows a back, internal view of the exemplary decorative shell 8that may be adjustable to the head of the wearer. The dashed lines showthe decorative shell in a three-dimensional orientation.

FIG. 3C shows a side, external view of the exemplary decorative shell 7.In this embodiment, the decorative shell is a baseball-style hat. In theexample shown, the decorative shell 7 is configured for coupling to theplurality of straps using a fastener 8 and further comprises a brim 9.The exemplary fastener 8 is a loop-type fastener wherein loop ispositioned on the decorative shell 7 and configured for coupling to thefirst strap 5. Those skilled in the art will understand that other typesof fasteners may also be used to secure the decorative shell 7 to thecochlear implant securing device 100, 101 such as, snaps, hook and loopfasteners, buttons, etc.

FIG. 3D shows a top, internal view of the exemplary decorative shell 7.In the example shown, the decorative shell 7 is configured for couplingto the plurality of straps using a loop fastener 8. The dashed linesshow the decorative shell in a three-dimensional orientation.

FIG. 4A shows a front view, a side view, and a back view of the pouch 4coupled to the second strap 1. The second strap 1 is configured tocouple to the pouch 4 using retention strap 4.1. The retention strap 4.1is shown in two configurations in FIG. 4A. These configurations aredesigned to secure the second strap 1 to the pouch 4, while covering aminimal surface area of the pouch 4. This helps reduce interference ofsound transmission from the external environment to the inner ear. Inthis embodiment, the retention strap 4.1 is constructed from athermoplastic elastomer or fabric, which expands to allow the pouch 4 toslide into the strap and closes to hold the pouch 4 in place.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary fastener 8 of the first and second exemplaryembodiments of the cochlear implant securing device 100, 101 to coupleto the decorative shell 7. The fastener 8 is shown as a loop-typefastener configured for coupling the decorative shell 7 to the firststrap 5 of the plurality of straps. However, as described above, othertypes of fasteners may be used.

FIG. 6 shows three exemplary embodiments of the decorative shell 7configured for coupling to the plurality of straps. In FIG. 6A, thedecorative shell 8 is a summer hat. In FIG. 6B, the decorative shell 8is a baseball cap. In FIG. 6C, the decorative shell is a fleece winterhat; having an internal layer of acoustically transparent material 7 andan external layer of fleece or other materials 10. In each of theembodiments, the decorative shell 7 is made of anacoustically-transparent material. This material allows unobstructedsound transmission from the external environment to the inner earthrough the cochlear implant device.

FIG. 7 shows a front view and a side view of a third exemplaryembodiment of a cochlear implant securing device 200. In this exemplaryembodiment, there are no straps to attach to the user's head. Rather, apouch 204 is configured to couple to a decorative shell 208 using afastener or a head-bonded adhesive. In this example, the fastener may bea hook 224 and loop 225 style-fastener. In this exemplary embodiment, ahole, approximately the size of the pouch 204, is cut out of thedecorative shell 208 in the area above the internal receiver of thecochlear implant device. The hook fastener 224 is then attached to thedecorative shell 208 using an adhesive glue. The pouch 204 with the loopfastener 225 is then coupled to the hook fastener 224. The pouch 204 ismade of an acoustically transparent material 223 to allow sound to passunhindered from the external environment to the inner ear. The pouch 204has a closure 222, which ensures that the external transmitter of acochlear implant remains attached to the internal receiver. FIG. 7 alsoshows a front and back view of the exemplary hook 224 and loop 225style-fastener for coupling the pouch 204 and the decorative shell 208.It should be appreciated that in this exemplary embodiment, thedecorative shell 208 may not be constructed of an acousticallytransparent material because of the hole that is cut in the decorativeshell 208.

Although this application described various embodiments each havingdifferent features in various combinations, those skilled in the artwill understand that any of the features of one embodiment may becombined with the features of the other embodiments in any manner notspecifically disclaimed or which is not functionally or logicallyinconsistent with the operation of the device or the stated functions ofthe disclosed embodiments.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made in the present disclosure, without departingfrom the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intendedthat the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of thisdisclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claimsand their equivalent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a pouch configured tocouple to an external transmitter of a cochlear implant comprising amagnet, microphone, and sound processor; a plurality of straps, whereinthe plurality of straps comprises a first strap configured to wraparound a circumference of the head of the wearer, a second strapattached at a first end and a second end to the first strap, a thirdstrap movably coupled to the first strap and slidably coupled along thesecond strap, wherein the pouch is configured to couple to the secondstrap and wherein the third strap has a first slider to adjust a lengthof the third strap and to thereby move the second strap to position thepouch over an internal receiver of the cochlear implant; and adecorative shell configured to couple to the plurality of straps andworn on a head of a wearer, wherein the decorative shell is configuredto couple to the first strap.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thedecorative shell comprises an acoustically transparent material.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the pouch is made acoustically transparent byusing silicone.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the pouch comprises anopening allowing the second strap to pass through the pouch.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising: a retention strap configured tosecure the pouch to the second strap.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe pouch comprises a plurality of pouches.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the third strap is coupled to the second strap at a first endusing a tight-fitting loop allowing the third strap to slide withrespect to the second strap.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein thedecorative shell is a hat.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the hat isadjustable to the head of the wearer.